Meet Our Board Members
Debrah Yale
My Maine roots go back to 1608, when my family was granted land up the Kennebec. As a Maine realtor, I have renovated thirty-four properties, developed a condo project, and helped hundreds of clients with resources purchase their new homes. I served eight years on the Realtor Foundation Board to promote homeownership and repairs, an essential part of income equality and economic stability. I have been appointed to NAR National Housing Committee Certification in At Home With Diversity, Fair Housing, and Bias Override.
A member of the Boothbay Club and the Boothbay Yacht Club, I love being on the water here in our community and playing golf with friends and family.
“On a daily basis, I hear of the lack of housing for young professionals. The housing they find is often substandard, carved out over a garage or in a basement. I want to bring attention to the crisis we have in our towns, work with the community and town officials to build affordable housing in the region. ”
Cynthia J. Watson
My husband and I have been fortunate to live in Boothbay Harbor for thirty years, and throughout the years, I have been on the Budget Committee, Park Committee, Parking Committee, and the Board of Appeals. My interests include golf, sailing, skiing, gardening, and enjoying time with friends, but the underlying affordable housing shortage has become a growing concern.
To that end, I am determined to help find a way to address that and rebuild a healthy multi-generational community with a vibrant school system ensuring children an opportunity to stay in the region.
“I have witnessed many exciting and positive changes, but I have also become aware of the affordable housing need that has increased exponentially over time. ”
Gita Rothschild
My emotional attachment to Maine began as a summer camper in the 1960s, and my family now boasts three generations of enthusiastic Maine campers. In 2007, I realized my dream when my husband and I purchased a house on Southport, where I spend much of the year hiking, playing golf, gardening, and on the water with friends.
I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and moved to New Jersey in 1977, where I practiced law at McCarter & English, LLP for 44 years, representing large corporations in cases across the country. But even though I am “from away”, my heart resides in Maine. After a brief unsuccessful attempt at retirement, I now focus on using my skills and experience to give back to my communities. I served as member of the Board of Trustees of a large hospital system in New Jersey for twelve years, and in early 2022, I returned to my firm part-time solely to practice pro bono law. I am currently representing Afghan refugees who have fled the Taliban and now seek asylum in the United States.
The lack of affordable housing in Boothbay Harbor is not new, but over the past few years it has become a critical problem. I believe that for a community to thrive, affordable housing is essential; if we want to encourage people to work and raise their families here, they must be able to live here. When the opportunity to join the Boothbay Region Housing Trust in making affordable housing a reality presented, I jumped at the chance.
“The lack of affordable housing in Boothbay Harbor is not new, but over the past few years it has become a critical problem. I believe that for a community to thrive, affordable housing is essential...”
Eric Wood
I am President of E M Wood Construction, located in Boothbay, Maine. My organization primarily operates in the Excavation and Grading, Building Construction business / industry within the Construction - Special Trade Contractors sector. My organization has been operating for approximately 39 years. E M Wood Construction employs approximately 18 people at this single location.
“Our company is committed in helping The Housing Trust build homes for families in the region.”
Elizabeth Duffy
My family and I have been spending at least part of the summer in the Boothbay region for over 30 years; from camping at Shore Hills, to renting a beloved cottage on Sawyers Island, and finally purchasing our home in Boothbay Harbor in 2009. We all love the region, and are looking forward to a permanent move in the spring of 2024 when our youngest child graduates from high school. We belong to the Southport Yacht Club and enjoy spending time on the water and hiking the beautiful BRLT trails. We currently live in New Jersey for most of the year, where I practiced law in the public and private sector for 29 years until retiring in June 2021. I also served on our Township Planning Board for 20+ years, where I gained experience in land use and the complexities of affordable housing. My husband Jim and I are local business owners, operating Boothbay and Wiscasset Self-Storage, and Coastal Boatworks in Newcastle. The need for quality affordable housing in the area is great, and I believe it is vital that we find housing solutions for local working families so that we can retain the character and vibrancy of the community. I look forward to contributing to the important work of the Boothbay Region Housing Trust to bring more affordable housing to this great community.
